Production And Structure/Properties Of Nylon-6 Core / Isotactic Polypropylene Sheath Bicomponent Fibers Suitable For Use In Carpeting Applications

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Abstract

Bicomponent fibers consisting of nylon-6 and
isotactic polypropylene were produced. In-situ,
reactive compatibilization was achieved using a
maleic anhydride functionalized polypropylene
between the materials at the interface. The
overall goal of the research was to produce a
bicomponent fiber of these materials that would
be suitable for use in commercial carpet
applications. Carpet samples produced using
nylon-6 core / polypropylene sheath bicomponent
fibers displayed stain resistance comparable to
a wholly polypropylene carpet. The wear
characteristics of these fibers were found to be
strongly dependent upon the maleic anhydride
content and the molecular weight of the maleic
anhydride functionalized polypropylene. Adhesion
between the nylon-6 and polypropylene phases, and
the mechanical properties of the polypropylene
phase were affected by the addition of the
functionalized polypropylene. Additional
information regarding the processing conditions
necessary to produce fibers of the desired
cross-section from these materials was obtained
using capillary rheometry. A number of
analytical techniques including DSC, TGA, and
SEM were used to better understand the structure
of the maleated materials.